Don't miss these seven buzzy events across Chicago this summer.
See Jason Mraz at Ravinia Festival on Aug. 2.
THROUGH SEPT. 10
RAVINIA FESTIVAL
The North Shore’s iconic Ravinia Festival is back, and the star-studded lineup features over 50 new artists, including Charlie Puth and Boyz II Men, and returning favorites like John Legend and Carrie Underwood. Fans can also enjoy the tradition of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, with Chief Conductor Marin Alsop, which returns for a six-week residency. Says Jeff rey P. Haydon, Ravinia’s president and CEO, “Whether you’re attending for the first or 50th time, a concert here is a special experience and one we hope our audiences will treasure.” 201 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park, ravinia.org
THROUGH JULY 23
THE WHO’S TOMMY
The Who’s Tommy, the final show in the Goodman Theatre’s 2022/2023 lineup, not only marks the end of a thrilling season, but it’s also one of the final plays selected by Robert Falls, Goodman’s former artistic director, who recently stepped down after a 35-year tenure. The show features anthems like “I’m Free” and “Pinball Wizard” in a story of Tommy Walker, who’s lost in the universe after witnessing his father shoot his rival. The Tony Award-winning production, helmed by composer Pete Townshend and director Des McAnuff, breathes new life into the timeless story. 170 N. Dearborn St., goodmantheatre.org
THROUGH SEPT. 4
VAN GOGH AND THE AVANT-GARDE: THE MODERN LANDSCAPE
Experience the awe-inspiring works of post-impressionist icon Vincent Van Gogh and his peers Georges Seurat, Paul Signac, Emile Bernard and Charles Angrand at Van Gogh and the Avant-Garde: The Modern Landscape, now on view at the Art Institute of Chicago. Visitors will be transported to the early days of 19th-century post-impressionism as they explore over 75 works of art from the period. 111 S. Michigan Ave., artic.edu
JULY 13-16
WINDY CITY SMOKEOUT
Windy City Smokeout returns to the United Center for its 10th anniversary with a star-studded lineup that includes some of country music’s biggest names like Zac Brown Band and Zach Bryan, who will headline opening night. Food is half the fun here, so be sure to save room for BBQ from top spots across the country like Lexington Betty Smokehouse and Soul & Smoke. 1901 W. Madison St., windycitysmokeout.com
JULY 26-AUG. 12
PORT OF ENTRY
Port of Entry, Albany Park Theater Project’s newest production in partnership with New York-based Third Rail Projects, tells the story of those who have settled in the northwest suburb over the past 100 years. “Albany Park is a notable example of the power of community and its ability to nurture those that are seeking refuge and comfort,” says Jennine Willett, the show’s co-director and co-artistic director of Third Rail Projects. Adds David Feiner, APTP co-executive director and of Port of Entry’s co-director, “[It’s] the most ambitious performance APTP has undertaken in its 26-year history…More than 150 artists, storytellers and craft speople have invested their creativity and spirit in bringing it to life.” 3547 W. Montrose Ave., portofentrychicago.com
JULY 28-30
WICKER PARK FESTIVAL
Chicago’s dynamic cultural scene and hottest new talents take center stage at the annual Wicker Park Festival. The three-day event draws over 75,000 visitors and brings local artists, businesses and community members together to celebrate the spirit of the neighborhood. From pop-up vendors to vintage sellers and acclaimed restaurants and cafes, there’s plenty to explore at the fest taking over Milwaukee Avenue. Young festivalgoers can get in on the fun, too, with mini-golf and interactive arts and craft s workshops. Main entrance at the intersection of N. Damen Ave., North Ave. and N. Milwaukee Ave., wickerparkbucktown.com
AUG. 8-13
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
Playwright, screenwriter and film director Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network, The Trial of the Chicago 7) has reimagined Harper Lee’s iconic novel To Kill a Mockingbird, and this summer, it graces the stage at CIBC Theatre. Directed by Tony Award-winner Bartlett Sher and focusing on one of the most revered characters in American literature, Atticus Finch, the story explores themes of racial injustice and childhood innocence for today’s audiences. 18 W. Monroe St., tokillamockingbirdbroadway.com
Photography by: PHOTO BY SHERVIN LAINEZ
